Yatsushiro Jinja Shrine

The novelist Yukio Mishima (1925–1970) declared this to be one of the most beautiful spots on Kamishima island. Dedicated to deity of the seas Watatsumi-no-mikoto, this Shinto shrine has long been visited by local residents praying for safety at sea. Annual religious festivals are held there as well. The shrine offers excellent views of the ocean and surrounding islands, particularly Kozukumi-jima and Ozukumi-jima, which are considered holy spots by the local population. The colorful traditional clay-tile rooftops of the homes below provide a wonderful contrast to the deep blue of the ocean waters beyond.